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Current Volunteers

Volunteer Spotlight

Bill Zanoni
Livingston, MT

"I work for a sustainable home builder in Bozeman, MT and was initially drawn to Red Feather because of their use of straw bale in the home building process. As I looked more deeply into the program, however, I found that Red Feather offers much more than sustainable building.

I volunteered for week 3 of the Roundstone build on Northern Cheyenne. My experience was far more rewarding than I ever anticipated. Over the course of the week I was able to work together with other volunteers on various stages of the building process. At times we were able to not only work alongside Northern Cheyenne tribal members, but were invited to learn about and participate in their unique culture. One of my most memorable experiences from the week was the sweat that myself and some of the other volunteers were invited to attend with Don, a Northern Cheyenne elder. The sweat really opened my eyes to the remarkable spiritual nature of the Northern Cheyenne people.

There is no possible way to describe the amazing people that make up a Red Feather build from the Northern Cheyenne themselves, to the dedicated staff, to the many kind hearted volunteers.

I am looking forward to next year's build."

Jan Waters
Alpharetta, GA

"My memory of the first time I pulled into a Red Feather build site in 2003 is the overwhelming feeling of 'what have I got myself into?' My daughter was 18, newly graduated from high school and on her way to college, and we decided this would be a wonderful way to give of ourselves before her leaving. So, here we were ready to pitch our tent and get to work. We had packed our tool belts, safety glasses, work boots, and were ready to get started! We were greeted with smiles and welcoming introductions. We learned we would be expected to cook for 40 people one day of our stay. We learned how to stucco, run the saw, measure accurately, and how to safely maneuver the job site…all in one day! At the day's end, we were pleasantly exhausted and slept so soundly under the stars of Montana. After a week of living with each other in tents, sharing meals, taking solar showers and learning new skills, we began to feel part of a family. Each day we'd be put in a new situation on the job site working side by side with someone new. We'd share stories of our lives 'back home' and every night we'd lay under the stars with a smile as we drifted off to sleep...then...there's the wake-up bell ringing to start another day. When we left Montana to head back to Georgia, we knew we'd be back to join the Red Feather Herd to build another house.

Our family continues our journey as volunteers. Each year we return with anticipation of what this build will teach us, who we will meet, which family we will contribute our time to help, and to be part of the Red Feather group."

Gwendolyn Stine
Tucson, AZ

"Red Feather is truly focused on their Mission Statement. They walk their talk, which I found incredibly refreshing. Everyone - staff, volunteers, and community members - all working side by side, learning, growing and feeling good at day's end. My experience on the Shebola Build touched my mind, body & soul and I feel its effects even now. I am grateful to have been chosen to be a small part of this project. It's addictive and I'm hooked."

Anne Kelly
Seattle, WA

"It was great to work with like minded people, to see young people from all over the country learning. For me as a parent it was a delight to see my own son working collaboratively in a group setting. During our short time at the job site it felt a bit like our own little village. On the way to Montana my son said 'Why are we doing this? We are all born with the same opportunities in this country.' At the end of the week of being with Red Feather he had a different perspective and had changed his tune."

Jennifer Marshall
Wilmslow, United Kingdom

"I liked the idea of being involved in something which would bring outsiders into reservation communities, that there would be a partnership involved in building a home, the chance for people to interact, to dispel some misconceptions and cultivate a friendship, or two. All of this took place against the backdrop of the reason for being there - ending every day looking at a house miraculously materialising.

Whatever skills a volunteer brings to a build, Red Feather can use them, and teach you new ones. There is scope for teamwork and individual flair. There are no tangible rewards to take away, except maybe some photos and a creepy crawly or two hitching a ride home with you. What you do take away are some good memories, beautiful sunsets, and a sense of achievement. What do you leave behind? The finished house, some skin off your knuckles and a patch of flattened grass where your tent was pitched. More importantly, you leave behind the love you put into it."

Dave Matthews
Phoenix, Arizona

"When you spend two weeks of your vacation roughing it, working really hard and think its one of the greatest times in your life, it must be a unique experience. I met and became friends with so many great people, who were like minded and in Bacavi for the same purpose: to make a difference in the Shebolas' lives. I felt fortunate to be able to contribute, and came away from the experience with as much or more than I gave."

Carly Allen
Starkville, Mississippi

"I heard about Red Feather at the 2005 annual AIAS forum. As an architecture student (and one fighting an enormous battle of 4th year burn-out) I was looking for a way to rehabilitate my interests in the profession as well as an opportunity to serve people. I was greatly touched by the words of Mary Tenakhongva, a recent homeowner, and I found myself drawn to the faith and traditions subtly laced within her speech. I applied to participate soon after that... and oh! What a summer!

I feel overwhelmingly blessed with the memory of my days on the reservation. I miss unraveling the layers of community, cooperation, hardwork, and awareness that make up these efforts... but most importantly, I miss the people- the Roundstones and fellow volunteers that continue to propel me forward even now.

The facts: a Redfeather volunteer will work hard, laugh hard, gain sustainable construction experience, be immersed in invaluable culture and community.... check check check! But even more than that, a volunteer will experience widspread intangible benefits specific to each person individually. For me, my last day at the build was bittersweet, yet perfect. I remember feeling still, almost paralyzed, in my feeling of completion. When you experience a moment like that, you spend the rest of your life seeking to remain still in more moments of such caliber."

Mike Loughlin
Seattle, WA

"I was so impressed with how cooperative and energetic all of the volunteers were! Everyone seemed to give 100% and more of their time and effort, doing whatever had to be done. [It] seems in today's world we've lost sight of the cooperative spirit that was so evident at the Red Feather site the week I was there. It was a sight to see, and I'm glad you gave me the opportunity to see it and be a small part of it."

Dennis Lamb
Alamosa, CO

"Physically challenging, emotionally uplifting and spiritually enriching..

On the two builds that I've attended, two things really stand out in a major way for me: an overriding commitment to excellence and a genuine willingness to help other people - shown and lived by both staff and volunteers. I've only had one job in the 'real world' where such a similar atmosphere existed. This kind of positive energy was/is great to be around and is an added inspiration for assisting in other building projects in the future."